CARE

CARE

Assessment and Accreditation

Accreditation is an important topic for aspiring professionals. Attending a university that has received proper accreditation ensures that your curriculum has met the rigorous standards and high expectations set forth by well-respected higher education authorities. Many agree that accreditation standards are the foundation of the profession and they are the driving force that raises the bar for excellence and professionalism in America’s schools, agencies and businesses. The University of Idaho College of Education, Health and Human Sciences has programs accredited through significant organizations including:

Since 1954, the University of Idaho has been accredited by NCATE, and is the oldest nationally accredited teacher education program in Idaho. Content area endorsements are reviewed in conjunction with and approved through the Idaho State Board of Education – Professional Standards Commission.

NCATE accreditation provides assurance that the educator preparation program meets or exceeds rigorous national standards and that candidates receive comprehensive preparation as high-quality P-12 teachers and administrators. NCATE’s performance-based system of accreditation fosters competent classroom teachers and other educators who work to improve the education of all P-12 students. NCATE is currently transitioning to CAEP.

CACREP accredits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling and its specialties that are offered by colleges and universities in the United States and throughout the world.

Rehabilitation Counseling programs prepares graduates to work collaboratively with individuals with disabilities, their support systems and their environments to achieve their personal, social, psychological and vocational goals. Graduates are prepared to maximize levels of independence, integration and participation of all individuals with disabilities through the use of counseling, technology, advocacy, support and the development and application of services that eliminate barriers to their clients’ development. Rehabilitation counselors may work in a variety of settings including rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, universities, schools and/or government agencies.

COAPRT accredits baccalaureate programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sport management, event management, therapeutic recreation and leisure students. It works with accredited institutions within the U.S. and its territories, Canada and Mexico. COAPRT recognizes academic programs in colleges and universities that prepare new professionals to enter the parks, recreation, tourism and related professions.

The University of Idaho’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (M.S.A.T.) Program is nationally accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization recognized as an accrediting agency by the Council of Higher Education (CHEA). The CAATE’s mission is to: define, measure, and continually improve AT Education. The program is accredited by CAATE through the 2018-19 academic year. For more information regarding the CAATE or the current UI M.S.A.T. accreditation standing please see the CAATE website.

The University of Idaho is the state’s oldest, constitutionally mandated, land-grant institution. In addition to the above specialized accreditations, UI also is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. All of our regional, national and specialized accreditations are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Accreditation provides an indication that your degree is not a product of a degree mill. According to the CHEA, “Degree mills and accreditation mills mislead and harm. In the U.S., degrees and certificates from mills may not be acknowledged by other institutions when students seek to transfer or go to graduate school. Employers may not acknowledge degrees and certificates from degrees mills when providing tuition assistance for continuing education. “Accreditation” from an accreditation mill also can mislead students and the public about the quality of an institution. In the presence of degree mills and accreditation mills, students may spend a good deal of money and receive neither an education nor a useable credential. Read more on CHEA’s website.